Qualifying for SSD with Kidney Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 20 million Americans suffer from kidney disease. This disabling condition occurs when the kidneys fail to remove excess fluids and wastes from the body, allowing toxins to build in the blood stream and organs. If these organs fail, deadly toxins can build up, which can eventually cause death if not treated. This often leaves kidney disease patients unable to work and in need of extensive medical treatment.

To help with the expenses associated with costly medical bills and lost wages, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers kidney disease to be a condition that qualifies for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits; however, it’s important to understand the rules associated with SSD eligibility as it pertains to this particular condition. When a genitourinary disorder is considered to be “frequent” or “interferes” with another aspect of daily life, it may qualify someone for SSD benefits.

Kidney Disease and Social Security Disability

Kidney disease progresses over time and increases your risks of developing other diseases, such as anemia, cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and more. Once the disease reaches end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure, dialysis and/or a kidney transplant is necessary to live.

There are two types of dialysis:

• Hemodialysis
  A machine is used to pump the blood out of your body, filter the waste, and then pump the blood back into your body.
• Peritoneal dialysis
  A solution is pumped into your body to absorb the excess fluids and wastes and carry them out of your body.

Chronic renal disease that has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months is evaluated by the following:

• Chronic dialysis
  • Hemodialysis
  • Peritoneal dialysis
• Kidney transplant
• Persistent increase of serum creatinine (non-protein waste product) levels, lasting at least three months, with one of the following:
  • Persistent motor or sensory neuropathy
    What it is: damage to the nerves
  • Persistent fluid overload syndrome
    What it is: excessive water and salt retention
  • Diastolic hypertension greater than diastolic blood pressure of 110 mm
    What it is: elevated blood pressure measured between heart contractions (not during)
  • Persistent vascular congestion (despite therapy)
    What it is: swelling caused by fluid build up
• Persistent anorexia with weight loss determined by body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.0 on at least two evaluations within a six-month period

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is another disease that often leaves an individual unable to continue working and is so serious that it qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits under the Compassionate Allowances program.

We Can Build Your Disability Benefits Claim

Kidney disease is a debilitating condition that can cause severe symptoms throughout your entire body, including your nervous and cardiovascular systems. These complications can put you out of work for weeks, months, or even years. According to the SSA, people with kidney disease qualify for SSD benefits, but many of these claims may be denied.

If you suffer from a condition that is affecting your kidneys, it’s important to realize that help is available. The attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are standing by anytime to answer any questions you may have regarding your kidney disease and how it may qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits.